'She Dedicated Herself To Others': Wilmington Hero Nurse

WILMINGTON, MA — Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the already-vital work of healthcare workers is even more important — and risky. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Stephanie Doane, Cecilia Pettigrew and Liz Reardon, who nominated Wilmington's Karen Pettigrew:

Where the nominee lives:
Wilmington

Name of the nominee:

Karen Pettigrew

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Stephanie Doane, Cecilia Pettigrew and Liz Reardon

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
ICU nurse at Winchester Hospital.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Stephanie: She worked for months caring for COVID patients with care and dignity. She dedicated herself to others and sacrificed seeing her children and grandchildren for months.

Cecilia: She is an extremely loving and caring mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. She has put her family and grandchildren on hold to care for COVID patients in the ICU at Winchester hospital. She consistently makes this world brighter for her patients, her family, and her community. I’m a better person because of her.

Liz: She has been working overnights in the ICU at Winchester Hospital and has cared for coronavirus patients

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Stephanie: This women is a hero to others, and to her family.

Cecilia: She is tough as nails and has her black belt in taekwondo to prove it!

Liz: She's very caring and a great nurse.

Thank you for all you do, Karen!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.